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P500 Transmission disengaging

2

25yrds

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I've just noticed recently, that sometimes when going down a hill slowly, sometimes the transmission seems to "disengage" and freewheel. If I blip the throttle it immediately re-engages. Reminds me of a Polaris. Is this normal? I don't recall it doing in the past.
 
NTCPrezJB

NTCPrezJB

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Slowly…like walking pace 3 mph or like 10 mph?
Hill…like 5 or like 20 or like 45 degrees?
Might give a little more insight for replies
 
futzin

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doesn't sound normal. with mine, it will freewheel when downshifting, between gears engaging. doesn't sound like your issue though.
 
2

25yrds

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Slowly…like walking pace 3 mph or like 10 mph?
Hill…like 5 or like 20 or like 45 degrees?
Might give a little more insight for replies
[/QUOTE
Slowly…like walking pace 3 mph or like 10 mph?
Hill…like 5 or like 20 or like 45 degrees?
Might give a little more insight for replies
Yes. When going very slow. Only at idle. Never when there's actual back pressure. It's really not a big deal. Just don't remember it ever doing it before. I pull a fairly heavy trailer down a pretty short(200 yards) and fairly steep hill sometimes. I use the brakes a lot. Sometimes when I let off of the brakes it freewheels like it's in neutral. Like I said, a blip on the throttle and it immediately goes back into gear(2nd usually).
 
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NTCPrezJB

NTCPrezJB

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I believe it’s a centrifugal clutch on the P5. It’s possible it’s not spinning fast enough to be engaged. The blip of the throttle engages it and engine braking is back.

Someone smarter than me might be able to say for sure though
 
2

25yrds

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I believe it’s a centrifugal clutch on the P5. It’s possible it’s not spinning fast enough to be engaged. The blip of the throttle engages it and engine braking is back.

Someone smarter than me might be able to say for sure though
I tend to think you're right. Was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this.
 
2

25yrds

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I tend to think you're right. Was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this.
This little p500 has been an awesome machine! The same trailer that I mentioned is also pulled up the hill with it. Mostly sand and a little bit of "pit run" gravel. Pretty much only 4x4's can get up the hill. The trailer is heavy enough that it gets to pushing me down the hill. I lock it in 4x so the back pressure will be, basically, like braking.
 
lee

lee

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At low speed, usally with rough terrain the centrifugal clutch will disengage.
If you don't blip the throttle the vehicle is a hand full.
It wants to charge down hill well above the expected level.
 
HUCK

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I've just noticed recently, that sometimes when going down a hill slowly, sometimes the transmission seems to "disengage" and freewheel. If I blip the throttle it immediately re-engages. Reminds me of a Polaris. Is this normal? I don't recall it doing in the past.
Don't know what year yours is BUT mine is 2017 full manual and it never free wheels .
 
Mudder

Mudder

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My 2017 doesn’t have the Polaris effect and always use manual mode for hills. Does it do it in manual, auto or both? - What year is your Pioneer?
Have you tried a clutch adjustment? - Just thinking if your history of heavy downhill loads/engine braking has caused some minor centrifugal clutch wear, and having experienced that the adjustment range is very small to find the sweet spot. Best of luck.
 
906UP

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Mine does it occasionally....when all the stars align sort of occasionally. I'm not too concerned about it.

FYI, a clutch adjustment won't do anything for this, the centrifugal clutch is separate from the "main" clutch, they are two different systems. Take a look at the parts schematic and you'll see what I mean.

Also, mine is a '16, manual only
 
2

25yrds

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Oct 28, 2019
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Idaho
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My 2017 doesn’t have the Polaris effect and always use manual mode for hills. Does it do it in manual, auto or both? - What year is your Pioneer?
Have you tried a clutch adjustment? - Just thinking if your history of heavy downhill loads/engine braking has caused some minor centrifugal clutch wear, and having experienced that the adjustment range is very small to find the sweet spot. Best of luck.
It's an '18. I have adjusted the clutch. Not for this "problem" anyways. I pretty much never put it in a/t. I guess time will tell.
 
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